Coriolanus Review: Powerfully Raw and Visceral That Echoes Modern Politics

Lyndsey Turner’s Captivating Production at the National Theatre Offers a Powerful and Chilling Reflection on the Nature of Political Polarization.

★★★★☆

With the upcoming Presidential Election in the United States between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the play’s exploration of a divided populace and the rise and fall of a leader feels eerily relevant. Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of ambition, pride, and fickleness of public opinion resonates even more deeply in today’s fractured political landscape. 

Returning to the National Theatre Stage, Lyndsey Turner’s vision for this production is bold, brilliant, and utterly mesmerizing. Especially in the final scene of the first act, where Coriolanus, expelled from Rome, faces the wrath of the very people he fought for. The tension in the scene is solid and was probably one of the most gripping I have ever witnessed on stage. David Oyelowo delivers a masterclass performance that is embodied with such fierce conviction and emotional complexity. It makes his fall from grace even more devastating. His portrayal captures both the warrior’s strength and a man’s tragic vulnerability, undone by his inflexible pride. 

Es Delvin’s set is visually stunning, with moving pillars and modernist set pieces that resemble ancient artifacts, which grounds the play in a space that feels both timeless and fresh. This, along with the lighting design by Tim Lutkin, makes the play even more of a marvel. It perfectly transforms the stage, especially during the fight scenes in Act I, where we oscillate between real-time and slow motion. These transitions, marked by dramatic shifts in color, lend a cinematic quality to the battle sequences, elevating the energy of the production. 

The costumes by Annemarie Woods are beautifully crafted, though, at times, the mixture of styles left me questioning the specific time period in which this version of Coriolanus is set. However, it adds a layer of universality to the production, which emphasizes the timelessness of the themes of the play. 

The supporting cast delivers equally impressive performances, along with Oyelowo’s masterful portrayal of the title character. Pamela Nomvete’s Volumnia is commanding. When she delivers her monologue in Act II, you feel utter devastation as she portrays a mother torn between personal ambition and her son’s fate.

Overall, this production felt triumphant and was visually stunning. It was a politically resonant piece of theatre that was led by a stellar cast and masterfully directed. It serves as both a reflection of the past and an unnerving commentary on the present.

Coriolanus - National Theatre: Olivier

Attended on 30 September 2024